In this tenebrist painting, the single light source
characterizing de la Tour’s work is held by the child Jesus as he illuminates
his earthly father’s labor. His face seems to glow as he watches St. Joseph
work, reminding us that Christ is the light of the world.
The work, too, holds a symbol – the planks St. Joseph works
with form a cross, foreshadowing Christ’s death. However, the two are peaceful
in the moment. St. Joseph the Worker patiently teaches his craft to the child,
and Jesus smiles at him, one hand raised as if in benediction. In spite of the
surrounding darkness and the reminder of the child’s fate, they manage to find
happiness in the simple work and the bit of light that illuminates them both.
